PORTLAND, Maine — A former Maine State Police chief charged with sexually assaulting a young family member will undergo a mental examination after his attorney questioned his competency to stand trial.

Andrew E. Demers, 74, of New Gloucester was arrested March 17 and initially charged with Class B unlawful sexual contact with a person younger than 12. He was released on $5,000 cash bail, with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim or any other child younger than 16 years old.

A Cumberland County grand jury in April indicted Demers on the more severe count of Class A gross sexual assault and Class B unlawful sexual contact, which prosecutors say occurred in February and March of this year.

Demers’ attorney, Walter McKee, requested the exam by the state forensic service on July 1, stating that “the issue of competency, insanity, abnormal condition of mind or any other mental condition relevant to other issues will be raised.”

Justice Roland A. Cole granted the request on July 8, according to court records.

McKee said Tuesday that the request is not uncommon in such cases. He said the request should not be considered an indication of any potential plea.

“I’ll get the results and, depending on the report, I’ll make decisions from there,” he said by phone Tuesday.

McKee also filed a motion to amend Demers’ bail to allow him supervised visits with four grandchildren.

According to the motion, the parents of Demers’ grandchildren are aware of the charges against him and have indicated in writing their wishes that he be granted supervised contact.

The motion is scheduled to be heard on July 29. McKee said Tuesday he is not sure whether Demers will appear in court that day.

Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson, who is prosecuting the case against Demers, was out of the office and unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

Demers served 26 years with the Maine State Police and held the position of chief from 1987 to 1993, when he retired.